Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-04-29T14:01:00

(BPT) – In these economically and environmentally challenging times, the cost of running a home is rising just as swiftly as interest rates. The costs associated with maintaining our homes are growing, driven by increases in energy prices and the escalating expense of non-sustainable building materials. Yet, Earth Month presents an opportunity to examine how we live. Mercury Insurance is assisting homeowners by offering practical ways to reduce their bills and their environmental impact.

“We’re highlighting the crucial role individual choices play in global sustainability,” said Steven Ward, director, strategic planning and ERM at Mercury Insurance. “By adopting eco-friendly home improvements, homeowners can decrease their environmental footprint while enhancing their home’s efficiency and reducing operational costs.”

Mercury Insurance is supporting these initiatives with discounts like the Green Home Discount, rewarding those who achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) green certifications. Not all discounts are available in all states; please check with your local Mercury agent.

“These certifications are not just plaques on the wall — they signify a home’s reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower resource consumption, which can also lead to savings on insurance premiums,” Ward explained.

Moreover, the Digital Discount encourages customers to reduce paper waste by opting for digital account management, further lessening the ecological footprint and aligning with modern, sustainable practices.

Homeowners looking to make a substantial impact might consider the following Mercury-recommended improvements:

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Installing ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can cut energy consumption by up to 30%, lowering energy bills (Source: U.S. Department of Energy).
• Solar Panel Installation: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels through solar energy can decrease electricity bills by 50%-90% (Source: U.S. Department of Energy).
• Water Conservation Measures: Equipping homes with low-flow fixtures and intelligent irrigation systems can save up to 50% in outdoor water usage (Source: Environmental Protection Agency).
• Sustainable Building Materials: Opting for recycled content or responsibly sourced timber can reduce emissions by up to 50% and operational costs by up to 30% (World Green Building Council).

For those interested in embracing these eco-friendly improvements, visit mercuryinsurance.com or speak with a Mercury Insurance agent to discover if these initiatives are accessible in your state and learn more about the potential reductions in your insurance expenses.

2024-04-29T12:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is all about renewal — whether that means cleaning and organizing your house, or making improvements that enhance your home’s efficiency and security. Thanks to the latest technological innovations, you can find a variety of ways to improve many of the processes you use daily in your home.

Here’s how technology can make revamping your household systems a breeze.

Not your parents’ vacuum

If you’ve dreamed of automating household chores to free up time for things you love to do, the Eufy Omni Robot Vacuum S1 Pro is the answer. This new robot vacuums, mops and self-cleans, and can be controlled through its app with features like multi-floor mapping, spot cleaning, customized cleaning modes, scheduling and setting no-go zones. The Omni Robot Vacuum S1 Pro combines efficiency with compact design to blend unobtrusively into your home as it cleans with an impressive 8,000 Pa suction power.

But it doesn’t stop there — it also comes with a TurboWash Roller Mop which rotates at a speed of 170 RPM, designed to mimic the action of human scrubbing to remove tough dirt and stains. This TurboWash Roller Mop also cleans the mop as it cleans the floor. This is achieved by harnessing water’s dynamic power by creating a water circulation system that uses air pressure for smart water absorption and drainage — allowing the robot vacuum to efficiently clean the mop with fresh water, while swiftly collecting wastewater in the sewage tank.

Best yet, the unit comes with 3D MatrixEye™ Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation, 3D MatrixEye Depth Perception System and TrueCourse™ Mapping, all helping it deftly maneuver around obstacles, pets and kids as it cleans. Thanks to its Uniclean Station charging base, the robot docks at the Omni Station to automatically empty the dustbin, which can go up to 68 days before needing a bag change. It disposes of wastewater and cleans mopping pads using a built-in Eco-Clean Ozone™ generator, drying them with hot air to inhibit bacterial growth and odors. It then refills with a cleaning solution to be ready for the next use.

This new product is available for pre-order at a discount on Kickstarter, to be available for purchase in May 2024 on eufy.com.

Level up your energy storage capability

If you already have solar panels or are planning to install them, it’s crucial to consider the best way to store the energy your panels generate. The Anker SOLIX X1 Home Energy Storage System is a modular battery wall system that can be expanded from 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) up to 180 kWh. The average American home uses 899 kWh of energy per month, so 30 kWh is about the amount of energy needed to power a home for one day.

You can store solar energy during the day for nighttime or off-grid use. The system’s InfiniPower™ Thermal Performance allows for a continuous power supply at 1.1 times the rated output, and it’s built to function in extreme heat and cold. The X1 is designed to redefine backup power for homes, bringing you energy savings and freedom — so you’ll be ready for spring and summer storms.

Bedside charging with style

Simplify and streamline charging of multiple devices using a sleek, aesthetically pleasing “tree-like” charging station that allows seamless, and wireless, charging for your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, all at once — and significantly faster at up to 15 watts for the latest Qi2 devices. The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1 Stand) comes with a 40W USB-C charger, 5 feet USB-C to USB-C cable, welcome guide and a 24-month warranty. Anker’s Proprietary ActiveShield technology monitors temperatures over 3,000,000 times per day to ensure the safest charging. Efficiency never looked so good on your bedside table.

Revamp your security system with cutting-edge cameras

For greater peace of mind, consider upgrading to dual-camera devices from eufy Security, including the world’s first home surveillance mesh powered by local AI. The devices in eufy’s lineup feature both wide-angle and telephoto lenses, enhancing its surveillance capabilities. Wide-angle view helps reduce blind spots and covers more area in a single view, while telephoto viewing lets you see details clearly, including hybrid zoom to see better at a distance. With Dual Viewing you get the best of both worlds, seeing the wide-angle and telephoto feeds together.

The series also introduces eufy Security’s proprietary AI cross-camera tracking, a groundbreaking feature that seamlessly tracks people and events across multiple devices, giving you a single auto-edited video notification. All these features add up to improved safety and security for your property.

Embracing technology can mean making upgrades you may not have known were possible — helping your household run more cleanly, safely and efficiently every day.

2024-04-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – How’s your office working for you? According to a recent survey from organizational solution brand, Mind Reader, 86 percent of people see their workspace as having an impact on their happiness — which makes an organized office at home or at work essential to keeping a positive mood. If you’re setting up your workday in different spots at home throughout the day (18 percent), hunkering down at your dining table (17 percent), or working exclusively from bed (16 percent) it might be time to revamp your workspace to an ergonomic, organized and functional area. Your overall health, well-being, and productivity will thank you.

A comfortable home office not only supports a positive mindset but can allow you to maintain good posture throughout the day, reducing strain on your neck, back, and shoulders and helping you feel your best when powering through a busy day. Positioning your computer correctly, whether you’re using a monitor or a laptop, can reduce eye and arm strain and fatigue, not to mention the extra focus you’ll get when you’re not hunched over your screen all day long. Even something as simple as organizing your office supplies cuts down on wasted time and frustration.

According to the survey from Mind Reader, 83 percent feel more productive if their workspace is organized and — if it were more organized — believe they could increase their productivity by 38 percent. Creating an ergonomic, organized workspace at home or in the office doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy. It’s about finding simple, intuitive solutions that you can use to transform a corner of your home or apartment into a place where you can focus on your work and get the job done in comfort.

Here are a few simple ways to create a comfortable, ergonomic home office.

Desk. Start with the basics. You do not need an enormous mahogany desk suitable for the Oval Office. Just a work surface big enough for your laptop or monitor, or both, where you can comfortably type with your arms at a 90-degree angle. If you prefer a standing desk, you can find models for under $50 that are adjustable and portable.

Chair. A supportive, ergonomic chair is half the battle. You’ll be sitting in it for much of the day, so make it work for you. But, you don’t have to invest hundreds of dollars in a new office chair. You can transform the chair you already have with inexpensive back supports and cushions. Mind Reader, the experts in creating organized, ergonomic home workspaces, offers a few varieties of backrests and cushions, all for under about $40. It’s that affordable and easy.

Screens. Now let’s talk about your screens. To avoid eye strain, you should position your monitor or laptop at eye level. Oftentimes, this means you need a monitor stand. You can make it dual-functioning by finding one that has drawers underneath for paper and pens. That handled, be mindful of how long you stare at that screen. Eye professionals recommend using the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a reset from all of that screen time.

Foot rest. You will be surprised by how much difference an ergonomic foot rest makes when you’re sitting at your desk all day. It helps you maintain correct posture and reduces the strain on your back and legs, alleviating swelling in your ankles and feet. Many models are adjustable and come with massage rollers for an added boost. Again, these don’t have to be expensive. This Mind Reader Foot Rest is under $30, adjustable, and includes those massage rollers.

Cables. All of those tangled cords are just plain messy and disruptive to look at. Wrangle them with a cable tray you can position under your desk, a cable management snake, or ties and clips to keep them under control and out of your line of sight.

Storage. If you’re set up at your kitchen table, where are all of your office supplies? The solution is a wheeled storage cart with drawers. You can pop your office supplies like printer paper, notepads, pens, and whatever else you use into the drawers. Roll it out when you need to use it, and tuck it into the corner when you end your workday.

With these simple tips, you can create a better home workspace that will elevate your productivity and contribute to your health and well-being, too. For more ideas, visit Mind Reader.

2024-04-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – You may have heard of “-core” trends that center around a specific niche, like cottagecore (accessorizing your home like a lake house) or balletcore (a style that emphasizes elegance, ballet flats and tulle). The latest “-core” trend sweeping the country is cafécore, the art of recreating the coffee shop vibe at home.

Pinterest Predicts 2024 calls cafécore one of the hottest trends of the year. It’s about bringing the atmosphere of a coffee shop, including your favorite coffee drinks, to your kitchen. Words like warm, comfortable, inviting and, of course, delicious, come to mind. Here are some tips for turning your kitchen into your favorite coffee shop.

It starts with coffee. Cafecore starts with the ability to make your favorite espresso drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and more at home. In the past, espresso machines were inaccessible, complicated and, frankly, too big and clunky for at-home use. Enter the KitchenAid Espresso Collection. The line consists of four machines: one Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, and three Fully-Automatic Espresso Machines with features to suit your tastes and preferences.

All are designed to help you elevate your coffee experience at home, taking the guesswork out of being your own barista. These models can do everything except choose the beans for you — precise dosing so you’ll always have a perfect shot of espresso, bean grinders, automatic milk frothing with options for non-dairy milks (on select models), drink personalization settings with up to six user profiles on some machines, even an intuitive touch screen. And dare we say it? The KitchenAid Espresso Collection is pretty, too. This is the gorgeous foundational piece to build your personal caffeine aesthetic around.

Create a coffee corner. While the KitchenAid Espresso Collection is stunning on its own, the appliances are designed to complement a variety of tastes, so you can customize your home coffee station to perfectly suit what you love. Include pretty mugs, a tray for flavored syrups, napkins, stir sticks, fun coasters, a basket for croissants and anything else you enjoy with your coffee. You can even deck out a bar cart with a water dispenser and any favorite decorations and glassware that complement your style.

A comfortable place to sit. The best coffee shops have an ambiance that makes you want to sit for a spell, relax and enjoy. Whether it’s a sunny spot with an armchair and end table or a cozy corner perfect for curling up with a good book, once you find your perfect perch, trick it out with a cordless coffee warmer, charge cords for your laptop and phone, and a plush blanket that invites you to settle in.

Accents! Pinterest is a great source to find accent ideas to make your coffee corner stand out. A custom chalkboard to write notes and favorite recipes on, a fun wallpaper or a sentimental piece of art can all take your space to the next level.

This trend is all about creating a comfy space in your home that celebrates your love of coffee, invites relaxation, and provides a lovely start to your day. To learn more about the KitchenAid Espresso Collection — or for tutorials about how, exactly, to froth milk — visit their website at https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/espresso.html.

2024-04-12T09:01:01

(BPT) – “Style and design surround us — impacting how we feel, the personality of a room or the energy of a space,” said Laura Grilli, director of product design for Daltile. “As a fashion-driven tile brand, Daltile has recently produced its Trend Report 2024 to help homeowners, designers and architects create fresh, breathtaking spaces.”

Coastal Retreat

Coastal Retreat is the design trend of deeply breathing in life — making our souls feel invigorated yet calm. Creating a sense of relaxation, typical of a vacation destination, is many times achieved in this trend by replicating a Mediterranean vibe. Sunbaked colors bring the Mediterranean sun, waves and reinvigorating seaside air into a room’s aesthetics. Mix in a touch of free-spirited style to further breathe life into a space, complete with macrame, woven banana bark, handmade crafts and indigenous patterns to keep things real! The soothing sense of cocooning is also part of Coastal Retreat, finding balance, peace, calm and harmony through rounded shapes, sculptural lines and curves that are welcoming and reassuring. Helped by the dry touch aesthetic of raw stone, natural surfaces and organic shapes, Coastal Retreat can also create contemporary spathrooms that offer the tranquility of a relaxing spa in Bali.

Quiet Luxury

Serene and tasteful, Quiet Luxury provides an elegant escape from the daily grind through settings that meld understated luxury with traditional touches. Starting with a foundation of Soft Minimalism, Quiet Luxury then exquisitely layers on neutral colors, fabric touches and unique metal accents to maintain a quiet sophistication that is the hallmark of this trend. Refined and elegant, yet comforting, the clean lines of the furniture, wall décor and well-placed hero details carry forward years of order, social graciousness and reliable protocol while infusing the space with a contemporary freshness that lifts our spirits, calms our nerves and makes it effortless to truly live in the moment with family, guests or even just our own thoughts. All design elements within a Quiet Luxury space are gentle and refined, radiating a luxury that is comfortably elegant.

Modern Rurality

Unplugging from the frantic pace of today’s overly digitized and chaotic world is totally possible when a space is enveloped by the warmth, purity and rusticity of Modern Rurality’s design components. A wooden backdrop is key as are roughhewn, simple, outdoorsy elements that wrap the space in a relaxed, country atmosphere. There is a rustic charm as well as a heritage-inspired authenticity to Modern Rurality. Infused with a color palette reflective of a rural winter’s day, a space following this trend’s lead will be filled with gorgeous moody colors such as deep navy, saturated moss green, a solemn maroon and various natural shades of brown. Although entrenched in a log cabin feel, the aesthetics of Modern Rurality can also take on a contemporary twist by incorporating some industrial elements such as glass, metal, brick and concrete — achieving a sleekness while staying true to the simplicity that is at the heart of this design.

Retro Revisited

While vibrantly drawing from the past, today’s design trend of Retro Revisited is all about expressing individuality. Everyone has a brand and Retro Revisited allows for a mixing and matching of the best design from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s to add life, color and individual expression to contemporary spaces. Cluttercore and hand-crafts are noted hallmarks of this trend as are thrifting and upcycling. Retro Revisited designs can be quirky, exuberant, creative. Disco Elemental, Mid-Century Modern, Maximalism and a touch of rebellion all make their mark in Retro Revisited spaces, sometimes as stand-alone features, other times as mixed epochs. Shiny lacquered wood furniture, striking geometries, psychedelic patterns and bold colors as well as muted crafts or make-and-mend elements all find their niche in this trend that expresses personal freedom.

Biophilic Essence

Nature can be grounding, relaxing, cocooning, but it can also be magnificent and exuberant, full of unexpected surprises! Like a William Turner painting, nature’s elements can powerfully express themselves in ethereal majesty. The trend of Biophilic Essence is many times comprised of materials that have sprung forth from centuries of natural pressure such as marbles, crystals and precious gemstones. The color palette of this trend ranges from earthy browns, greens and grays to the majesty of jewel tones such as royal blue, brilliant yellow and fiery red — because nature gives us all of these colors. Silver, gold and other precious metals add natural artistry to a Biophilic Essence space. Additional signature effects of Biophilic Essence such as light, shadow and the juxtaposition of both in a space create a luminescent presence that heightens the artistry of this design trend. The wonder of nature and the majesty of natural elements can create a feast for our eyes and an uplifting undercurrent for our emotions.

Visit daltile.com/Trend-Report to download the full trend brochure.

2024-04-11T12:53:00

(BPT) – Throughout the year, golf tournaments captivate audiences excited to watch the pros do what they do best: play golf! As viewers tune in to see their favorite athletes compete on pristine golf courses, they may dream of replicating this championship-level fairway quality in their backyard.

Are you ready to turn your backyard into a golfer’s dream? TruGreen, the official lawn care treatment provider of the PGA TOUR, has you covered with these five expert tips to make your lawn as beautiful as a world-class golf course.

1. The foundation is underfoot

The key to a healthy, green lawn is rooted in nutrient-rich soil. Premium soil fosters a healthy lawn that can withstand drought, ward off disease and pests, and develop a deep, sturdy root system.

Although the perfect soil composition varies based on grass type, a well-rounded mix of water, air, minerals, and essential nutrients is crucial.

2. Maintain a meticulous mowing schedule

Lawn care is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the same goes for mowing schedules. The growth of your grass is influenced by various elements, such as prevailing weather and the local climate conditions. As such, you should plan to keep an eye on your lawn and mow it as necessary instead of following a specific schedule. For the most effective mow, adjust your mower to its maximum height setting, mow your lawn with sharp blades, and avoid mowing when the grass is damp.

Another great rule of thumb? Follow the “one-third” rule: aim to mow often enough so that you’re only cutting one-third of the grass blade during any single mowing.

3. Water is welcome

When you water your grass, you’re helping transport necessary nutrients around the roots to the grass blades, ensuring they stay alive and healthy. Watering also improves your lawn’s tolerance against normal wear and tear and foot traffic by boosting firmness and supporting seed germination.

Most turf grasses require about 1 inch of water per week via rainfall or intentional watering. A great watering guideline is to prioritize quality over quantity. Essentially, when you water your lawn, focus on the amount of water applied versus the frequency at which you water.

4. Don’t wait to remove the weeds!

Can you think of anything more annoying than weeds on your lawn? Well, get this: they are likely already disrupting the health of your lawn before you can even spot them.

When approaching weed removal, it’s important to first identify the type of weeds on your lawn. You can avoid the guesswork by consulting a professional to treat weeds early and prevent them from becoming an even bigger problem. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can determine the best action for removal such as digging by hand or pouring boiling water on them.

To keep stubborn weeds at bay, ensure you are maintaining a healthy, dense lawn that doesn’t allow room for weeds to flourish.

5. Don’t want to do it yourself? Leave it to the pros

“While your pursuit of the perfect swing might leave little room for taking care of your lawn, you don’t have to give up on your dream outdoor space just yet,” says Brian Feldman, TruGreen’s senior director of technical operations. “TruGreen provides tailored plans to meet your yard’s specific needs year-round so you can spend more time playing on your PGA TOUR-level lawn instead of maintaining it.”

These basic lawn care tips are sure to help get things off the ground, but they are just the beginning of your journey to a PGA TOUR-worthy backyard. For more advanced lawn care tasks such as aeration or pest control, learn more about TruGreen’s lawn care service offerings at TruGreen.com.

2024-04-09T10:41:01

(BPT) – Investing in real estate can be a smart choice, but not all investments are created equal. There’s no denying rental properties are a surging market. Mortgage interest rates have risen dramatically over the past few years, high enough to price many people out of purchasing a home. It means the demand for rental properties is high. You don’t have to be an economist to see it — there’s a crane on every corner, and new apartment buildings are popping up everywhere.

For many investors, tapping into this surging market means buying duplexes, fourplexes or single-family homes. But with them comes the hassle of becoming a landlord. Fixing appliances when they break down, arranging for snow removal and yard work, dealing with tenant complaints or worse, going through the exhausting process of evicting someone when the arrangement just isn’t working. You’re suddenly the building’s maintenance technician in addition to being the owner.

Institutionally sized real estate projects like apartment buildings or condo developments don’t come with those kinds of hassles for their owners, as those responsibilities fall to property management companies. But in the past, they have been out of reach for individuals.

That’s not the case today. Investors who are thinking about getting into real estate can think bigger than a duplex. There’s an emerging investment model that gives private investors access to institutionally sized real estate projects, reaping returns and depreciation benefits without the management headaches.

Roers Companies is a national leader in real estate development, construction and property management that was founded to change the game for everyday investors. They’re on a mission to elevate multifamily housing by developing and operating market-rate, workforce, active 55+ and affordable housing in highly desired neighborhoods nationwide.

Rather than focusing on institutional equity to fund that mission, Roers Companies chooses to work with individuals.

Some quick facts about Roers Companies:

• 17 completed projects sold since 2019 with an average hold time of 3.5 years
• Nearly 12,000 rental units and 83 projects developed and under construction
• $510M+ equity raised through 850+ investor partnerships
• $2.9B in real estate since 2012

At a high level, to be considered an accredited investor, you need to meet one of the following:

• Have a net worth over $1 million, not including their primary residence
• Income over 200,000 (individually) or 300,000 (with spouse or partner) in each of the prior two years, and reasonably expect the same for this year

That kind of wealth criteria makes it possible for a whole tier of investors to buy into institutional-level real estate projects for the opportunity to receive high returns on that investment.

If you compare the performance of a $10,000 investment in stocks, real estate investment trust (REIT) and multifamily real estate over the course of 20 years, you can see that the growth in multifamily outperforms other asset types. Multifamily real estate investments also tend to offer less volatility than stocks or REITs.

Part of the reason for Roers Companies’ success lies in their business model. They don’t just manage properties or build them. Their internal capabilities include development, construction, leasing, property management and asset management. This vertical integration means that Roers Companies is able to achieve significant cost savings and efficiencies that companies with a single area of expertise cannot match. With a close watch on local markets, strong industry relationships, and a robust evaluation and approval protocol, their process refines and strengthens each opportunity offered to investors for consideration.

It’s an outgrowth of Co-Founder and Co-Owner Kent Roers’ recognition of what he calls “the missing middle” — everyday investors wanting access to institutionally sized real estate projects, but settling for buying houses or duplexes instead. Yes, they could buy into a REIT, but their performance is often correlated to the stock market — the highs and lows of stocks will follow for REITs. The business model Kent and his brother Brian built bridges that gap, giving private investors an opportunity for significant returns and a seat at the — much bigger — table typically reserved for large financial institutions.

Market conditions have pushed many companies out of the new-development arena in the past 18 months while Roers Companies’ private investors have made new projects possible. Because of that, their projects are under construction and will be ready to welcome residents and collect rent just in time for the institutional-reliant developers to hit reset on their projects in high-growth neighborhoods starved for supply.

The demand for rental housing shows no signs of subsiding, ensuring long-term stability and growth within the multifamily sector. This sustained demand, coupled with the anticipated cost reductions, presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking attractive returns in the real estate market. To find out more about this unique direct-investment model, contact Roers Companies.

Photos by Spacecrafting

2024-04-08T12:13:00

(BPT) – The spring is a great time of year to start tackling the DIY projects you’ve been putting off all winter. If you plan to roll up your sleeves this season, you’re part of a growing trend. DIY projects top many spring to-do lists this year and outdoor projects are a big priority for individuals across the nation. Home improvement leader Lowe’s has found that 34% of customers plan to take on projects related to outdoor living, from adding plants, flowers and seasonal décor to updating their patio furniture. Additionally, 40% say they plan to focus their time and efforts on their home’s exterior — including maintenance and lawn repair.

And now, DIY projects just got even easier thanks to DoorDash’s new partnership with Lowe’s. With over 1,700 Lowe’s stores available nationwide directly on the DoorDash app, you can now shop your favorite Lowe’s items from the comfort of your own home! This means less time running errands and more time making your dream home a reality.

Seasoned DIYers know that whether it’s freshening up your patio with a coat of paint, planting new blooms, or landscaping the backyard, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do the project. Most have learned from experience that a little planning at the outset can save you time and money in the long run.

Here are six tips from DoorDash and Lowe’s for making your outdoor DIY projects go smoothly.

Make a plan and prioritize. Before you start tilling up the yard and pulling out the weeds, sit down and create a detailed plan for the project. This should include a list of what projects you want to tackle, the tools and materials you need to get the job done, a realistic assessment of whether you can do it yourself or if you’ll need a pro, and roughly how long it’s going to take from start to finish.

Remember the little things. How much household disruption is the project going to cause? Do you need to send the dog to daycare while you dig up the lawn? Have you called the city about hidden power lines? Will you have to turn off the water, and if so, have you filled a gallon jug or two to get you by? Little things like this can derail a project if you don’t anticipate them beforehand.

Set a budget. It can be very easy to accidentally exceed the scope of the project — and the cost — if you’re not careful. First you’re simply sprucing up the garden, but a few bags of mulch and a pile of pavers later, you’re creating a whole new patio complete with a brand new outdoor furniture set. Avoid this landslide by deciding how much you can comfortably spend on the project, and stick to that number. Be sure to take advantage of promotions and deals whenever you can to help you stretch your budget. Lowe’s offers a lineup of great spring products at an outstanding value! From now through April 14, customers can get $20 off their first order of $45+ from Lowe’s with code LOWES20 on DoorDash.* Plus, DoorDash users can enjoy even more savings, with Lowe’s biggest annual SpringFest deals available nationwide, now through May 1, helping customers save on all the essentials needed to tackle spring — from power tools and lawn care to appliances and décor.

Keep the DoorDash app open. DIYers, rejoice! DoorDash’s newest partnership means the end of running to Lowe’s in the middle of the project when you inevitably find you forgot a crucial piece of the puzzle. Get everything from tools to garden supplies, to paint and much more delivered through DoorDash directly to your doorstep in an hour on average** — thanks to everyone’s favorite on-demand delivery platform. And, all participating Lowe’s stores will also be available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers members a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fee on eligible orders from thousands of restaurants, grocery and convenience stores nationwide.***

Break it down into tasks. You know what they say, a long journey starts with a single step. This also applies to DIY projects. An enormous undertaking can feel overwhelming, but a series of smaller tasks? That’s doable. The best part? You can now schedule the delivery of all your essentials so that they’re at your doorstep before you start your project!

Ask for help. Bit off more than you can chew? Don’t have the expertise to do the job right? Circle back and get the help you need, whether it’s the handy guy down the street, or a licensed professional.

Follow these tips and your DIY projects will go quickly and smoothly, leaving you with more time to enjoy your spruced-up nest this spring and beyond.

For more information on the latest news and promotions, visit DoorDash.com and Lowes.com.

*Offer valid through 04/14/24 on your first order placed at participating Lowes locations. Valid only on orders with a minimum subtotal of $45, excluding fees and taxes. Maximum value of discount is $20. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Use promo code LOWES20 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

**Based on average delivery time. Delivery times may vary and are not guaranteed.

***DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders that meet the minimum subtotal requirement listed on DoorDash for each participating merchant. Other fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. After signing up for DashPass, you will be charged the then-current renewal price (plus applicable taxes) automatically on a recurring basis until you cancel. DashPass terms (including how to cancel) here.

2024-03-27T15:37:00

(BPT) – It’s a virtuous cycle: communities that are economically vibrant create good jobs that support homeownership, and homeownership builds generational wealth that supports entrepreneurship and business investment.

In traditionally underserved and disadvantaged communities, though, the opposite can be true, leading to financial stagnation and a lack of opportunity for individuals and businesses.

Many community-focused financial institutions are working to counteract this negative cycle by investing in economic development and breaking down barriers to homeownership. And they do it by relying on a behind-the-scenes partner: their regional Federal Home Loan Bank.

The role of FHLBanks

Congress established the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a network of 11 regional FHLBanks, in 1932 to ensure liquidity for financial institutions such as building and loan associations and insurance companies during the Great Depression. By Congressional design, the FHLBanks are cooperatively owned and privately capitalized by their members — commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions — and provide members with ready access to competitively priced liquidity or loans known as advances, financial products and services, and resources for targeted community and economic development.

Community Commerce Bank, a community development financial institution founded in 1976 to meet credit needs in underserved East Los Angeles, has found success partnering with FHLBank San Francisco, which serves members in Arizona, California and Nevada.

Since its founding, Community Commerce Bank has loaned more than $4 billion to its customers, and the organization is both profitable and deeply engaged in the community, demonstrating the viability and impact of inner-city lending. Bank president Mike Lasher attributes this in part to their access to advances, which refer to loans or lines of credit that are extended to another bank or member institution to satisfy short-term liquidity needs. “Our membership in FHLBank San Francisco gives us quick access to advances, allowing us to promptly meet the dynamic needs of our customers and bridging the gap between the lending timeline and deposit schedule,” said Lasher. “This facilitates increased investment in the local community and enables us to support important initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives in Los Angeles County.”

Partnering to promote homeownership and economic development

In addition to providing reliable, low-cost liquidity that boosts community lending, FHLBanks offer a variety of community grant programs that their members can deploy to address the specific needs of their local communities. Many of these programs are designed to support affordable, sustainable homeownership for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families.

FHLBank San Francisco’s WISH downpayment assistance program, for example, offers 4-to-1 matching grants that eligible first-time homebuyers can apply to down payment and closing costs. Since 2000, when the first homebuyer received a matching grant through the Bank’s homeownership programs, participating FHLBank San Francisco member lenders disbursed $146 million in WISH funds to more than 9,700 low-to-moderate-income homebuyers.

Another initiative is the Empowering Black Homeownership program, which FHLBank San Francisco introduced in 2022 and renewed in 2023. This program matches member institutions’ grants to housing counseling agencies that serve aspiring and at-risk homeowners in communities of color, helping to support homeownership and intergenerational wealth building.

And in 2023, FHLBank San Francisco launched a $10 million Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance pilot program to help middle-income households that are struggling to achieve homeownership amid high home prices and interest rates.

Other grant programs promote economic development in low-to-moderate-income communities. For example, FHLBank San Francisco members partner with community nonprofits to deliver AHEAD grants to support innovative, targeted initiatives that generate new economic opportunity. In 2023, FHLBank San Francisco awarded $4 million in AHEAD grants to 75 local organizations — for initiatives ranging from microenterprise projects and job training to financial education and support for Native American communities — throughout the bank’s three-state footprint.

“These grant programs are just a few examples illustrating FHLBank San Francisco’s commitment to promoting economic vitality, affordable homeownership and wealth creation,” said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president and chief executive officer of FHLBank San Francisco. “Our member institutions know their local communities best, and giving members access to these programs allows them to amplify their own community support efforts while directing the assistance to where it’s most needed.”

Ripple effects on member institutions and consumers

The support FHLBank San Francisco provides to its members levels the playing field, allowing local community lenders to better compete with larger financial institutions. Community lenders can also draw on their deep local knowledge and understanding of their customers to responsibly underwrite loans to qualified borrowers, including small businesses, with nontraditional profiles — and keep loans on their books rather than selling them on the secondary market, enabling personalized servicing with greater flexibility to work with people to avoid default.

FHLBank San Francisco’s support of local lenders also trickles down to borrowers through lower overall borrowing costs (keeping loans more affordable), through grants that make homeownership more attainable and sustainable, and through economic development initiatives that help position people for both home and small business ownership.

Access to credit — both mortgage lending and commercial lending — is key to economic vibrancy. By working behind the scenes to help their member financial institutions keep credit flowing to their customers and communities, FHLBanks not only support community lenders but help to strengthen diverse neighborhoods, seed small businesses, and empower residents to build sustainable communities. It’s a unique and valuable role within the financial services industry.

As Lasher of Community Commerce Bank said, “With reliable liquidity and access to economic development grant programs, we’re able to better support local business growth and reinvest in our communities — in turn giving people the tools they need to create a brighter future.”

2024-03-26T12:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past several years, our backyards have become much more than spaces for weekend barbecues. They’re sanctuaries where we go to decompress from our increasingly hectic lives and gather safely with family and friends to celebrate life’s special moments. With self-care an increasing priority, it’s no surprise that creating a sense of sanctuary tops the list of trends expected to influence exterior design this year. According to the outdoor living experts at Trex, following are four trends poised to shape the way we live, unwind and entertain in the great outdoors in the year ahead:

Restorative Retreats

Connecting with nature is critical for humans to maintain optimal health, and a backyard area can play a major role in promoting both mental and physical well-being. Creating a restorative backyard retreat can be as simple as turning a cozy corner into a reading nook by adding plush cushions and pillows. Or, with a little more budget, you can transform a deck into a tranquil space for yoga or meditation. Simple additions, like fencing, privacy screens or lattice, can enhance a sense of sanctuary and luxury.

And don’t forget the space beneath the deck, especially if it’s elevated. By adding an under-deck drainage system like RainEscape^® to keep the space below the deck dry, this area can be the perfect spot for a hot tub, cold tub or sauna. This innovative system installs above the joists of a deck’s foundation, allowing homeowners to discreetly run gas and electric lines to create an outdoor space with the same function and finishes as a room inside the home.

Natural and Neutral

Homeowners are embracing the elegance of a more minimalist palette, opting for cleaner lines and materials that create a harmonious and modern outdoor ambiance. As a result, nature-inspired hues are set to dominate in the year ahead. Demand for light, neutral decking is up, as evidenced by the adoption of new offerings, such as Trex’s Transcend Lineage and Signature lines. Featuring authentic wood aesthetics in light, refined hues that complement indoor flooring materials, these high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking options are ideal for achieving seamless continuity from the inside, out.

Sustainable Selections

People are more conscious than ever of their environmental footprint and want to create outdoor spaces that last without leaving a damaging impact. Native plantings, pollinator gardens, stormwater captures and zero-scaping are all gaining popularity. Likewise, demand for eco-friendly materials is on the rise. Made from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, Trex composite decking is an ideal choice for today’s increasingly eco-conscious homeowners. Warrantied to last up to 50 years, it won’t fade, stain, warp or crack and never needs to be sanded, stained or refinished, making it a sustainable choice that feels as good as it looks. The brand also offers aluminum railings made with 40% recycled material and durable, weather-resistant outdoor furnishings made from recycled milk jugs.

DIY: Design It Yourself

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” When it comes to designing outdoor spaces, this mantra rings true. Today’s homeowners have access to a virtually endless array of online tools, cost calculators and expert guidance, making planning, designing and building your dream outdoor space easier than ever. Remember, DIY doesn’t mean doing it alone. No matter your experience level or where you are in the process, there are plenty of tools, guides and resources available at your fingertips to help turn your outdoor vision into a view.

For more outdoor living ideas, tips and tools, visit www.Trex.com.